The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 69

oO September 19, 2005 Oo

"Good morning."

"Mmm?"

Severus grinned at the whine and gently set the tray of food aside.

He had woken to an empty bed once again, though he hadn't panicked. He took his shower and made breakfast for the both of them taking it upstairs to the baby's room. He always knew where to find her these days. Her hospital requested bed rest had ended but he had still expected her to take it easy.

Hermione shifted in the easy chair she was presently curled up in. A hand running down her face as she blinked to the morning light, "Mmm, that smells good..."

Pushing down the blanket that was wrapped around her frame Hermione turned more, stretching her lower back. "What did you make?"

"Your favorite," Severus waited for her to sit up properly before placing the tray down in her lap, "Strawberry buttermilk pancakes, half a blueberry muffin, two pieces of bacon and lemon yogurt."

Hermione smiled brightly, the latter had been her most recent craving. She was still shocked to find herself suffering the effects of being pregnant even when she wasn't actually carrying her child. She wondered idly if this would pass as the other things had but had decided to keep her musings to herself.

"Is it my birthday or something?" She chuckled at her own joke and picked up a piece of bacon.

"Actually..." Severus smirked as he sat down on a small stool he'd pulled over from the corner. He let his word linger waiting for her to realize that it was, in fact, her birthday. It took her a few seconds too long but he chuckled none the less at the face she pulled.

"Oh my god," She chewed loudly on her bacon as she tried to remember just how old she would be.

Severus took a bite of his half of the muffin and leaned back against the window seal, "27, you're 27 years old, as of today."

"That would make you, 45." She smirked and licked her bottom lip.

"Congratulations, your mathematical skill hasn't deteriorated with your age."

Hermione made a face and threw a chunk of her muffin at him stifling a giggle, "Silence, old man."

Severus glared playfully before setting his tray off his lap, "Old man, am I?" He leaned down over her trapping her in place by his hands on the arms of the chair.

Knowing what was coming Hermione squealed softly and tried to keep her head out of his reach. Unfortunately for her, there was nowhere to go, she let out another raucous laugh as he teased a new spot behind her ear with his lips.

"Ah! Severus! Stop! You're going to make me spill the tray!"

"I'll clean it."

Hermione laughed even more, pressing against his chest without any real force. Oh, how she'd missed this. Missed him. He treated her as though she would break like a one of his crystal vials during her hospital sanctioned bedrest. As dotting at it was, and most often necessary, the swelling and pain were gone now. She was still a little slow but otherwise in perfect health again.